Follow Sanjay Leela Bhansali

After Karni Sena, another outfit – Hindu Sena has taken
offence to Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmavati’ and protested against ‘distortion
of history’ in the upcoming period drama. Mahakaal Sena and Rajput Samaj have
organised a protest at the collectorate in Dholpur, Rajasthan, against
portrayal of queen Padmavati in the movie.

Reportedly, a member of the group also issued a death threat
'to Bollywood' for standing up in support of Bhansali and his film. “If they
shoot for ‘Padmavati’ in Mumbai, we will go break the set in Mumbai too. And if
Bollywood unites, we will not leave them too. This is a Hindu nation and we
won’t let people demean our culture,” the Hindu Sena member was quoted as
saying in media reports.

However, the outfit has dissociated itself from the threats allegedly
issued by its member(s), and said action would be taken against those found guilty.
But, he group has asked for a written explanation from Bhansali regarding the story
of his film.

On Friday (Jan 27) scores of men belonging to Rajput Karni
Sena manhandled Bhansali and damaged the sets and equipment, when the filmmaker
was shooting ‘Padmavati’ at Jaipur’s historic Jaigarh Fort. The protestors
claimed that Rajasthan’s history was distorted in the movie.

Following the incident, Bhansali cancelled the shoot in the
state and issued a statement clarifying that there are no objectionable scenes
between Rajput queen and Allauddin Khilji in the film.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena said that the decision of the
Central Board of Film Certification would be final, but the filmmaker would
need to accountable as well for any 'objectionable portrayal'.

“The movie is still being made and the censor board needs to
be alert. And if there is character distortion of any gallant Hindu kings and
queens, then definitely it is objectionable. Agreed that the censor certificate
is the final word but the directors and story writers also need to do their
part,” Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande was quoted as saying by ANI.

‘Padmavati’ is inspired from the tale of legendary queen Rani
Padmini of Chittor and Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji, who attacks Chittor fort
in an attempt to capture the beautiful queen.